There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.
Parallel translations
- WEB There is gold and abundance of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.
- KJV There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
- NKJV There is gold and a multitude of rubies, But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
- NASB There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.
- NLT Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Wise, knowledgeable speech is rarer and more valuable than gold or jewels. It matters because it prizes wisdom above material wealth.
Overview
Gold and rubies are abundant compared to the genuine treasure of 'lips of knowledge.' The proverb elevates wise, truthful speech as the truly precious commodity (Proverbs 3:13-15; 8:10-11). It reorients our values toward the wisdom that comes from God, ultimately found in Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom (Colossians 2:3).
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 13
- Prov 8:11For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.
- Prov 25:12Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.
- Prov 16:24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
- Prov 16:16How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.
- Prov 3:15She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.
- Rom 10:14–15How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?
- Eccl 12:9–11Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs.
- Prov 15:7The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools.
- Job 28:12–19But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell?
- Eph 4:29Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.
- Prov 10:20–21The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.
- Prov 16:21The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction.
- Prov 15:23A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Wisdom personified, with God before creation and the agent of all things, anticipates Christ 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom' — the wisdom of God made flesh.
How Proverbs 20:15 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.